My ultimate Californian adventure

If there’s one thing that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, it’s going to Coachella. Aside from the mass of celebrities that frequent the two-weekend long California event every year, the prospect of seeing amazing artists in such a mind-blowing environment seemed so unattainable. That is, until this year.

I was lucky enough to experience not only California, but everything West Hollywood and the Orange County had to offer in my very own ultimate California trip.

As much as I love an overseas holiday, Australia is literally so far away from the northern hemisphere (#firstworldproblem), however if you’re ever looking to get to California in style, then look no further than Air New Zealand. From Sydney, getting to Los Angeles is a breeze. While you’re transit through Auckland, leaving the NZ capital in the early evening means you’ll sleep comfortably in the airlines top of the line premium economy seats, before landing fresh-faced in LA at lunchtime!

First stop on my ultimate Cali trip was three days in the iconic, ever historical, West Hollywood. Staying at the Andaz, previously known in the 70s and 80s as the Riot Hyatt, the hotel saw the likes of The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones all stay there during their hey day. Not only are you surrounded by history, the hotel is also situated on the Sunset Strip. And what better way to explore the area than with a walking tour.

Joining our guide Tracy Pattin we were given the down low on the area and the iconic strip, with some famous pit stops along the way, including The Roxy Theatre, Rainbow Bar, The Comedy Store, the Viper Room and of course, Sunset Tower Hotel.

There’s also no shortage of places to eat – and you never know which famous faces you might bump into over dinner! Beauty and Essex is one of LA’s latest hotspots with cocktails and appetizers to die for. But what would a trip to West Hollywood be without a meal at the Sunset Tower Hotel?! Originally built in 1931 the art deco establishment is favourite among many familiar Hollywood favs, including George Clooney and Robert Pattinson… Who I just so happened to bump, physically bump into on my way to the restrooms (R.Pattz if you’re reading, I’m sorry!) May it be a cautionary tale never to text and walk at the same time.

However my all-time favourite West Hollywood moment? Getting to visit the Viper Room. Yes that’s right, the formerly Johnny Depp owned bar, where River Phoenix died out the front of in 1991. While the floors may be sticky, the drinks are always flowing and there’s no shortage of live music.

But before leaving West Hollywood for Coachella make sure you stop by Chateau Marmont on the Sunset Strip for brunch. While no celebs were there the day I visited, it’s regularly frequented by Hollywood heavyweights and has been featured on numerous TV shows including Ray Donovan and has been home to some of the biggest after-parties during Hollywood award season.

But a quickly as my time in West Hollywood had started, it was time to pack up and hit the road to make my way down to Palm Springs for Coachella!

As you leave the city behind you, the desert soon surrounds you and as if you were on a Hollywood movie set, mountains surround you. The drive down to Palm Springs allow you to prepare yourself – for the biggest three days of your life.

After arriving at La Quinta Resort and Club and a quick dip in the pool it was time for night one of Coachella. The shear size of the farm blew my mind right from the start, not to mention the size of the stages!

Although very disappointed (and slightly annoyed) that Beyoncé pulled out of the festival because she was pregnant (and with blessed twins no less!) Lady Gaga hands down was the highlight of the festival. Playing for nearly three hours Gaga put on a show I’ll never forget. There was a good mixture of her older hits, and songs from her recent album and got everyone up dancing the whole time she was on stage.

Being at Coachella and surround by 125,000 of my closet friends was the most amazing experience. The palm tree backdrop for the stages, the mountains surrounding Coachella valley, the photos don’t do it justice. By day three you will be a shell of a human, but I promise you, you will have a lifetime of memories.

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One of the best things about being down in Palm Springs for the festival is the opportunity to explore so many other attractions in the area. Having seen the movie, I was keen to go check out the San Adreas fault line and a red jeep tour is the best way to do that! Not only will you get to explore the whole fault line, you’ll have some of the best and knowledgeable tour guides in the business.
But be warned, unsurprisingly being in the middle of the desert, in the middle of the day can get quite warm.. as in well above 40 degrees before lunchtime. However our tour guide was kind enough to give us a wash cloth with ice cold water to keep us cool!

Having spent four days in Palm Springs it was time to relax and there’s no better place to do that than to channel your inner housewife in Orange County!
I’ve been a fan of the OC since The OC (RIP Marissa Cooper) and Real Housewives of the OC first aired, so getting the chance to live it up in luxury was the perfect way to round out my ultimate California trip.

Of course, what is a trip to The OC without staying in a luxury resort?! Checking into the Monarch Beach Resort was like a dream come true, but going to dinner at the Laguna Beach Ritz-Carlton was where my inner Kristen Cohen came out as I sipped my chardonnay overlooking the ocean.
Of course there is still much to do down in the OC including whale watching of Dana Point and a shopping experience like none other at South Coast Plaza.

It was a trip I will never forget!

This journalist travelled to Coachella as a guest of Visit California and Air New Zealand.

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